A statement released by his office - referring to the designer by his given name, Lee - read: "On behalf of Lee McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home."

McQueen's friend and influential British fashion insider Isabella Blow, who helped his career take flight, took her own life in 2007 at the age of 48.

"At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family," the statement continued.

Hooligan at the helm

Born in a working class area of London, the youngest of six children, McQueen left school at the age of 16 and gained an apprenticeship at the traditional Savile Row tailors Anderson and Shephard, before moving on to neighbouring Gieves and Hawkes.

The former British Designer of the Year winner eventually gained a Master's degree in fashion design from London's prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

McQueen had an ability to shock. An example was his autumn/winter 1995 collection Highland Rape, which featured dishevelled looking models in torn clothing.

The following year, McQueen was named head designer at the staid Paris couture house Givenchy.

His first collection for Givenchy was not widely considered to be a success. But he went on to establish his own label and become part of the Gucci group of brands owned by French retailer and luxury goods group PPR, drawing in fans, customers and fame and earning a place at the top table of fashion.

"I worked closely with Lee for the last five years. His creative force was inspiring to me and all those who were fortunate to know and work with him," Gucci Group president and CEO Robert Polet said.

"Lee's passing will be mourned deeply. He has left us too soon. He had so much more to give, but the legacy he leaves us is a rich one and one that we will cherish and honour."

Modern-day genius

"At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashions shows that mixed design, technology and performance. And on another he was a modern-day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over," Shulman wrote on the fashion bible's website.

"His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't."

"A lot of people don't realise the impact he had, whether that was low-waisted jeans - he designed the bumster and it was taken up by the whole of the world, practically, how they wore their jeans very, very low."

Didier Grumbach, president of the French Couture Federation, said McQueen was a great technician and creator, comparing his legacy to the late great French designer Christian Dior.

Victoria's laws for disclosing political donations have long been criticised as among the weakest in the nation, but Premier Daniel Andrews says his proposed reforms will make the state's donations laws "the strictest donation laws in the country".